U.S. Constitution - Articles III, IV, V, VI and VII

Judicial Branch

the branch of government that interprets laws

Article III

Which Article of the U.S. Constitution sets up the Judicial Branch?

Supreme Court

the highest federal court in the United States; established by the U.S. Constitution

2 (Federal and State)

How many courts systems are there in the United States?

Federal Court System

Deals with disputes about laws that apply to the entire United States

State Court System

Deals with disputes about state laws

Federal Courts

Which courts try cases involving national laws, the U.S. Constitution, or disputes between citizens of different states?

State Courts

courts which deal with state criminal and civil cases and appeals.

criminal case

a case in which a defendant is tried for committing a crime as defined by the law

civil case

a case involving the rights of citizens

Jury Trial and Bench Trial

What are the two types of trials?

Evidence

material presented as proof at a trial; witnesses, videos, photographs, fabric, weapons, etc.

district courts

Lowest level of federal courts, where federal cases begin &trials are held (bank robbery, environmental violations, tax evasion)

Jury Trial

A trial where a group of people listens to the evidence and decides the case

verdict

the decision a jury makes in a trial; the decision said by the jury

bench trial

A trial in which the judge alone hears the case

appeal

To ask a higher court to review the decision and determine if justice was done

appellate

Authority of court to review a decision of a lower court or administrative agency.

trial court, court of appeals, Supreme Court

What is the order in the court system as a case goes "up" through the system?

panel

When more than one judge listens to a case

9

How many justices are on the Supreme Court?

Chief Justice

justice on the Supreme Court who presides over the Court's public sessions

John Roberts

Who is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

Judicial Review

review by the US Supreme Court of the constitutional validity of a legislative act; this is NOT actually in the Constitution, but it is a power of the Judicial Branch.

Full Faith and Credit Clause

Constitution's requirement that each state accept the public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of every other state

Article IV of the Constitution

addresses relationship between the federal and state governments

Full Faith and Credit Clause, fugitive slaves, admitting new states, and guaranteeing republican governments and protection

The Main ideas of Article IV - The States

Amending the Constitution

Article V of the U.S. Constitution is about what?

2/3 of congress and 3/4 of states

What are the fractions needed in Congress and from the states to amend the Constitution

Article VI

Which Article of the U.S. Constitution of the U.S. Constitution states the Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land?

Article VII

Which article is about ratification of the Constitution?

9 out of 13

How many states were needed to ratify the U.S. Constitution?